Sunday, July 24, 2011

Omnivision patent application US20110169991 proposes concave photodiode to increase area where the photogenerated charge can be hold. Also, the new PD shape is said to reduce pixel alignment variability:

NobelPeak indeed. Claim 2 is for SiGe so definitely NIR. Note that the concave surface (as seen from the backside) is supposed have reflection properties.

Since this published document teaches a method for improving low light NIR response suitable for night vision, I wonder if the US patent inventors have possibly violated US ITAR restrictions and may be subject to arrest and prosecution with fines up to US$1M. I don't think this method works, so maybe it is not so important, but all U.S.-based engineers should review the ITARs which are publicly available.

No, ITAR does not have anything to do with US government funding. Visible (primarily green wavelength) imaging is not ITAR restricted except for very high speed and some uses related to arms.

Even if you have an idea on your own time and it is on the restricted list, you cannot disclose technical data to any foreign national (except permanent residents), verbally or in writing, except as allowed under ITAR.

BTW, if this patent's technical data falls under ITAR restriction, USPTO is also at fault. The US citizens are at fault for technical discussions with the Chinese/Taiwanese, and USPTO for the actual publication. Well, at least that is the way it seems to me.